How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever taken a shower and realized that the water hasn’t been draining it, you’re aware of how annoying it can be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine, but it can also be harder to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners are sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and damage the environment. The positive side is that there are a lot of natural ways to unblock a shower drain, without the need for harsh chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and the surrounding environment.
- There are many natural methods to clear a shower drain by using baking soda and vinegar and a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For baking soda with vinegar: gather items, clean the cover for draining and any garbage, pour in baking soda followed by vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method Straighten the wire hanger leaving one end as it was Create a hook at the end, then insert it inside the drain and let it catch hair and debris out.
- For wet/dry vacuums Set the vacuum in "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing by a cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal. Then turn on the vacuum for 3 minutes.
- Avoid future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. You can also run hot water after each use and avoiding using grease to clean your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To begin you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A cloth or rag
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Take off the shower drain cover as much as you can and use an e-brush or small toothbrush to get rid of dirt or hair around the drain’s edges. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when you need to.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
You can pour one cup of baking powder down your drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. It is best to protect your drain immediately using a cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix performs its magic. There should be a sound of fizzing and bubbling. This means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain with Boiling Water
Clean the cover thoroughly and flush it out with hot water. This will help remove any debris that remains and make sure that the water flows smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusted wire hanger
Step 1 Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten a wire hanger as straight as you can while leaving the other end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Make a small hook at the end of the wire that you just straightened out.
Step 3: Look for Hair and Debris
Put the hook in the drain, and then fish looking for hair as well as debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re in possession of a wet/dry vacuum the following method may be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set to "liquids" (or "wet" mode.
Step 2: Cover Drainage
Cover any overflow drains with duct tape or a wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Connect the hose to the drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Turn on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should help remove any obstructions in your shower drain.
| Method | Supplies Needed | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Baking soda, white vinegar, boiling water, rubber gloves (optional), cloth or rag | 1. Gather supplies\n2. Prepare the drain\n3. Pour in baking soda and vinegar\n4. Wait for 30 minutes\n5. Flush with boiling water |
| Wire Hanger | Wire hanger | 1. Straighten it out\n2. Create a hook\n3. Fish for hair and debris |
| Wet/Dry Vacuum | Wet/dry vacuum, duct tape or wet cloth | 1. Set the vacuum to "liquids" or "wet" mode\n2. Cover overflow drain \n3. Attach hose to drain \n4. Turn on vacuum |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I tell when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual time to empty or if water is accumulating around your feet when you shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be completely or partially blocked. Additionally, a foul odor coming from the shower area could indicate a blocked drain.
What are some natural ways to unblock the shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You could also try a mixture of baking soda and salt followed by boiling water. A plunger to drain the sewage plunger might also help.
Do I need to make use of chemical drain cleaners to free my shower?
It’s not advised to use chemical drain cleaners since they are laden with harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes in the long run. They can also be harmful to the environment and pose health risks for those who use them improperly.
When should I contact an experienced plumber to fix my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work to clear your shower drain, you should to speak with a professional plumbing company such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers in Sydney for help. Other indicators that you may require assistance from a professional include the water coming out of the toilet or other drains, strange noises of pipes gurgling, or foul odors coming from drains, even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a blocked shower drain cleared by an experienced plumber?
The cost for fixing an unblocking shower drain could differ depending on the extent of the issue as well as where you reside. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber who can unblock the shower drain. However, more severe cases that require pipe repair or replacement could cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be stressful it is, however, there are plenty of alternatives to try before resorting to harsh chemicals. Whether you choose baking soda and vinegar, a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, ensure you take the necessary steps to keep your drains from becoming blocked by using a hair strainer within your shower as well as running hot water in the shower after every use, and not the practice of pouring grease down your drains. If none of these options work, it may be time to get professional help. If you’re experiencing a lot of trouble or declining plumbing problems with your plumbing in Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers now!
Additional Information
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Begin with Clean Plumbing for a Spotless Home: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- Unclog Your Drains: Speedy Tricks to Try Out Right Now
- When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains: A Guide
- Drain Maintenance 101: A Decade of Simple Methods to Prevent Clogs in Your Home
- The Ultimate Guide to Pipe Relining: How to Select the Perfect Material
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- Examining Root Sources of Drain Clogs
